An Overview of the Zinc Smelting Industry in the European Union

Abstract

Zinc smelters in the European Union are now facing a lot of problems, especially under the attack of the Covid-19. This study reviewed the situation of the zinc smelting industry in the EU, including production methods, application of raw materials, pollution control, and waste treatment. The vast majority of smelters use hydro-metallurgical process to obtain high-purity zinc products. Roasting – leaching – electro-winning method is well developed, accepting a large range of raw materials and also has economic advantages. However, the problem with this method is the generation of large amounts of leaching residues. Many researchers have been worked on this and proposed many solutions. It can be improved by increasing leaching efficiency and can better recover valuable metals from the leaching residues. As for environmental pollution in the zinc smelting industry, sulphur emissions have been under well control, and both waste water and solids can be partly recycled in the process. But the storage and disposal of leaching residues are the main problems that still exist and need to be resolved.